National Herald case: Fresh FIR registered against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Troubles for Sonia Gandhi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appear to be mounting once again in the National Herald case. Delhi Police have filed a new FIR against both leaders. This FIR includes the names of six other individuals and three companies, in addition to Sonia and Rahul. According to sources, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) submitted its report to the Delhi Police after completing its investigation into the National Herald case. Following this, the Delhi Police filed the FIR on October 3rd.

The FIR alleges that Associated Journals Limited (AJL), a Congress-owned organization, was acquired through fraud. AJL's total assets are estimated to be approximately ₹2,000 crore. This acquisition was made through Young Indian, in which the Gandhi family reportedly holds a 76% stake.

In addition to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, the new FIR also

names Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda and three other individuals. The companies named in the FIR include AJL, Young Indian, and Dotex Merchandise Private Limited.

It is alleged that Young Indian was paid ₹1 crore through three Kolkata-based shell companies and acquired AJL for just ₹50 lakh, while AJL's assets are estimated at ₹2,000 crore. It is believed that the Delhi Police may soon question AJL shareholders.

The National Herald case involves allegations of money laundering between 2008 and 2014. In 2014, Delhi's Patiala House Court took cognizance of the matter based on a private complaint by BJP MP Subramanian Swamy. On April 9, a money laundering case was filed against the Gandhi family and others. However, the Congress party has rejected these allegations, saying the ED is acting under pressure from the central government.